Although yeast infections are common, they are usually easily treatable.  Effective treatment can cure a yeast infection, thus relieving symptoms.  Additionally, successful treatment will prevent the spread of a yeast infection to a sexual partner or between a mother and a newborn.  Both persons may require treatment in these cases to prevent recurrence or future transmission of the infection. 

Anti-fungal medication
Topical, local anti-fungal medication may be prescribed by your doctor to treat cutaneous, oral, and genital area infections.  Anti-fungal medications may be prescription strength, or, in the case of yeast infections in the genital area, both men and women can use local antifungal creams or vaginal tablets (for women).  In more severe cases, an ingestible (oral) anti-fungal medication may be prescribed for all three types of yeast infections.   

Healthy bacteria
Your doctor may recommend avoiding sugar and sweets as well as eating unsweetened yogurt, which encourages healthy bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus) to restore balance between the good and bad bacteria and fungi in your mouth, digestive system or genital area.  Mothers who bottle-feed babies may want to rinse pacifiers and bottle nipples in equal parts of white vinegar and water, until the infection clears up.   

Home treatments
Some people claim that home treatments are effective against yeast infections, particularly vaginal yeast infections.  Examples include tea tree oil cream, vinegar douches, and the use of garlic (or boric acid) in vaginal suppositories.  However, even though some people claim that these work, more research is needed in order to determine efficiency of the therapies, and to identify potential side effects.  Before you use home treatments, talk with your doctor.

Hygiene
Practicing good hygiene can decrease the odds of getting yeast infections.  Clean, dry skin and weight loss discourages cutaneous yeast infections.  Clean teeth and avoidance of sugary foods helps prevent oral yeast infections.  The following tips can be helpful to prevent genital yeast infections:

• always dry the genital area with a clean towel, after washing
• avoid douches
• avoid hot tubs
• avoid scented hygiene products
• avoid tight underwear and clothes made of synthetic fibers
• change out of wet swimsuits and exercise clothes as soon as possible
• change tampons and pads often during your period
• wear cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch

Yeast infections are fairly common, but easily treatable.  However, remember that you should still see your doctor in order to get a correct diagnosis, and to determine if some underlying cause is to blame for your yeast infections (e.g. a weak immune system).  With a little bit of antifungal medication, you'll be as good as new!